Rafael Benitez believes Yossi Benayoun is in the best form of his Liverpool career ahead of his return to Upton Park.

The 29-year-old Israel captain has had a lengthy run in the side of late due to Steven Gerrard's injury problems, and that has seen him produce a string of impressive performances.

Benayoun can expect a hot reception from the West Ham fans, who have not forgiven him for seemingly agreeing a new contract with the east Londoners before then changing his mind when Liverpool's interest became known.

But Benitez is happy that Benayoun is playing well enough to overcome any barracking.

"Yossi has been playing really well. He is in the best form of his time at Liverpool," he said.

"When we brought him here it was because we had confidence in that quality.

"Now he is playing more games, is becoming more consistent. He is playing better and that creates a cycle because with that form comes more games and that in turn improves his consistency and confidence.

"Every player is looking for more time on the pitch, and he has been lucky to have that of late because of injuries elsewhere in the squad.

"Always I have wanted to keep him here. There has been lots of talk about his future, in particular when he has not been playing regularly.

"But we want him to maintain this current form and keep it going next season. He has benefited because Steven Gerrard has been injured and we have played Yossi further forward. That has been fortunate for him."

Liverpool must win at the Boleyn Ground to reclaim top spot on goal difference before leaders Manchester United face Manchester City at Old Trafford tomorrow.

They will be without ankle injury victim Xabi Alonso, but Benitez will have Fernando Torres (hamstring) and Javier Mascherano (ankle) fit to play, and maintains that something could still disrupt Manchester United's relentless march toward retaining their crown.

He said: "We have always talked about a twist in the end, maybe United will have problems against Manchester City or Arsenal in their run-in.

"We have always known that this season was crucial to our development, but also that we must continue to have a positive approach to everything.

"It has been good experience. But whatever people are saying about this season and our chances, we must maintain our concentration right to the end and stay focused in every game.

"We have confidence we will be the closest challengers to United over the next few years.

"But we have always felt we could win it this season, we have confidence in our squad and they have worked so hard. I hope I am answering in a different way in a fortnight, but we have gained a lot of experience whatever happens."

And Benitez paid tribute to the job Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has done in his first club management job.

He said: "West Ham will be difficult. Zola is doing a good job, they are confident and playing well.

"Zola was a fantastic player and now he us showing he can be a fine manager, he is doing a good job there."